It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sheli Ann Murphy, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and cherished friend. She passed away on Monday, September 30th, 2024, at the age of 63. Sheli was born on Tuesday, April 25th, 1961, in Fremont, Michigan. She lived a life full of love, compassion, and dedication to her family and community. Her ever-present warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Throughout her life, Sheli contributed significantly to her community, organizing charitable causes and always sharing whatever resources she had to offer. Known for her hardworking and fiercely independent nature, Sheli was a saver and not a spender, yet her generosity ensured that no one around her went without. She was especially known for her love of cooking and feeding others. Her passions extended to thrift and antique shopping, which she saw as a form of treasure hunting. She had a profound affinity for nature, plants, and gardening, and held a deep knowledge of home remedies and alternative treatments. Her life was colored with the blue hues she loved and the beauty of Iris flowers. One of Sheli's fondest memories was attending a Genesis concert in 2007 with her eldest sister, Lori, a joyful experience she cherished. Phil Collins' songs resonate across generations, echoed by those who loved her.

Sheli is survived by her loving children, Andrea (Ernest Allen) Parrish of Fremont, MI; Kendra (Seth) Strow of New Jersey; and Mitchell Parrish of Fremont, MI. Her legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Arden, Sam, Carter and Blake, who filled her life with joy and laughter. Sheli was a devoted sister to her siblings, Lori Murphy of Fremont, MI; Teri Murphy of White Cloud, MI; Jami Murphy of White Cloud, MI; and Hope (Dan) Maike of Arvana, CO. Their close-knit bond and shared memories will forever be treasured. She is also survived by her long-time friend, more like a sister, of 45 years, Cindy Fuller, whose friendship she cherished very much. Cindy and her husband helped take care of Sheli, taking her to appointments, spending the nights at her home, and overall being there when her children were unable. She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Murphy, her mother, Phyllis Mae Murphy, her dearly missed daughter, Murphy Kay Parrish and her sister, Teri L Murphy.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Sheli's life and legacy at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont, where details regarding memorial services will be shared.

Arden's last words: My grandmother is a determined, hard working woman She is a woman who was attentive to detail To the point where one could call her stubborn That is what I loved about her She was a person who didn't hold onto material things She valued family over all else She was the head of our family She valued her time with her loved one's the most Even in her struggle and fight with cancer she would pray for her loved ones every day She would ask God everyday for us to be alright even though she had it worse than all of us She'd pray for my mama and me to be able to wake up one day without pain Even though hers was 10 times worse Her love was tough because her heart was made of Gold Her house became a place of celebration for the holidays It was a place I went to when I needed an escape from home It was a place me and my brother baked with her It's a place I never felt uncomfortable It's a place I'll forever hold fondly Memories of dancing in the living room, going through old coins Hanging out in the garage outside She loved and believed in me She taught me many valuable things I will take with me throughout my life She brought me to God, something me and her shared toward the end of her life The conversations we have had I will never forget I thank God that she was a part of my life I thank God for the things she was able to bring into the world I thank God for us being able to have that last conversation Where I was able to tell her how I felt I know not a lot of people get that option to say goodbye to those they love I will forever be grateful that I was able to tell her how I felt How great she was to me and everyone that was in that room How her hard work would be appreciated forever

A message from her eldest daughter, Andrea: I enjoyed spending time with my mother...the sleepovers with the kids making popcorn on the stove and milkshakes. We would all "camp out" in the living room watching old shows or movies together...we would wake up to mom/grandma making all of us a big pancake breakfast. These memories mean the world to us...

When my mother moved in with me  I enjoyed reciprocating that love and care...feeding her and making sure she had all she needed and wanted. I am so honored that I got to have that role and would do it again and again just to know she was taken care of. My mother...wasn't vain or shallow she didn't care for small talk...she loved deep and always maintained a level head. My mother taught her children to do for themselves whether it was changing our own oil or basic life skills, she stressed the importance of independence. I could carry on and on but what I want people to know and remember most about my mother is that she walked in sincerity, she was honorable and sensitive to people's suffering. My mom found bliss in the little things many of us take for granted...she always carried herself with so much respect such a high regard for life that toward the end she attempted to alleviate any stress or past grudges held because life was truly precious to her. ALL LIFE. A fighter and matriarch...a woman so rare so special so beautiful. We will miss her so much and we will continue to honor her legacy.

May she rest in paradise. To God we belong and to Him we return.

Love eternally and gratefully yours, Andrea